Forest of any kind is a valuable landscape element with high biodiversity. The great biodiversity is strengthened mainly by the vertical structure of the stand. In the natural forest, all vegetation layers and different age categories of trees are usually represented. Biodiversity is lower in commercial forests, especially if they are monocultural. Tropical forests are considered to be the site with the largest biodiversity on Earth.
Health Forests serve as a place for recreation. It is scientifically proven that the forest has a beneficial effect on the human psyche by reducing stress. Surveys show that patients with health problems and tree views recover faster than other patients. They also provide shade from the hot sun.
The myth of the planet’s lungs is already scientifically refuted. However, the forest, together with oceanic plankton, remains a major producer of oxygen. The leaves of the trees act as a natural dust filter and are involved in removing harmful particles and gases from the air. For example, nitrogen oxides, ozone and carbon monoxide. They capture gases and toxic particles from the combustion of fossil fuels. Forests consume carbon dioxide, which is considered one of the most significant greenhouse gases, and significantly reduce its concentrations in the atmosphere. Forests are undoubtedly one of the most effective means of reducing the effects of global warming.
Rain, sun and wind cause soil erosion. Trees reduce soil erosion to an absolute minimum, even in very difficult terrain. If trees are planted around fields with crops, leaching of the soil is significantly prevented. The normal rate of erosion of a corn field is 1 cm of soil in about 15 years. From a cereal field in about 300 years. The soil does not disappear from a fully grown forest. The ability of the forest is to create new soil.
Trees provide a beneficial shade. Tree crowns evenly distribute rainfall. (It is said that it rains twice in the forest. Once on the trees and the second time it rains from the trees). The root system and moss floor has a high absorption capacity and thus reduces extreme water losses from forest streams and rivers. This reduces the risk of floods. Floods in some areas are caused by large-scale deforestation in history. Deciduous and mixed forests in this case have a greater effect on water retention than exclusively coniferous trees.
The job opportunities provided by the forestry and wood processing industries are almost endless. Planned planting and growing of trees, provides wood for each of us. For house construction, wood for cooking and heating. For the production of various daily necessities. Trees also provide food, such as fruits, nuts, berries, not only for humans but also for animals.
